SARA HANNELL

ALEXIOU FISHER PHILIPPS

An experienced and respected lawyer with an international clientele, Sara Hannell knows Brexit’s impact. ‘International families are feeling less settled and less welcome in the UK,’ she says. ‘Some Middle Eastern clients have become less willing to base themselves in London due to a perceived increase in racist sentiment — clients from continental Europe are considering alternative bases to the UK, with the risk of disruption to family units and the potential for family discord.’ Many clients expect to be encouraged to fight, are pleasantly surprised by Hannell’s pragmatism. She’s clear on why AFP is a smart choice: ‘Our clients choose us for our individual reputations and expertise. We remain fully involved in the case, because you need in-depth knowledge to provide top quality advice. Our junior lawyers provide excellent support, but if a client wants me, they get me.’ But there are times when Hannell must refrain: ‘Two of my prenuptial agreement clients have asked me in the last year whether or not I thought they should go ahead with their marriages. Tempting though it is to advise them, I always resist!’ The bilingual Oxford graduate — she studied history and French — enjoys spending time with family and in the countryside. The keen skier and traveller recently returned from a holiday to Sri Lanka: ‘I could happily have stayed there for the rest of the year!’